Golf tips: Three swing faults

There are three common, but major swing faults that I see almost every day. Not surprisingly, these faults are not limited to high handicappers.

These three swing faults are coming over the top on the downswing, growing on the back-swing, and reverse pivoting on the back-swing.

Here is a way to keep from coming over the top of the ball: On the downswing, make sure to keep the clubhead outside your hands, not outside your line.

On the backswing, have a shoulder turn that will allow your upper back to face the target at the top of your backswing. This position will allow you to rotate your hips to start the downswing and enable you to keep your trailing shoulder high so that your hands and arms will come back through your address position.

Growing on the backswing is caused by changing your posture as you start the clubhead away from the ball.

If your spine angle is at 45 degrees at the address position, you can maintain that spine angle by making sure your trailing leg stays flexed on the backswing. If your trailing leg straightens, you will be taller at the top of your back swing and be very inconsistent at impact.

A reverse pivot is done by increasing weight on your forward leg on the backswing. You can correct this by coiling against the inside of your trailing knee and leg on the backswing with your upper back facing the target. Almost 100 percent of your weight should be on the inside of your trailing leg and foot.

Check your swing in a mirror for these major swing faults. If you have any, try these tips to make them disappear.

— Lee Martin is the director of instruction at River Ridge Golf Course.